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Nairobi County has secured a Ksh.43 billion funding package from international partners to revive the stalled Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, signaling a new chapter in the city’s battle against traffic congestion. Governor Johnson Sakaja announced the breakthrough during Jamhuri Day celebrations, marking the culmination of months of negotiations with the European Investment Bank, the European Union, and the French Development Agency.
The funds will primarily focus on constructing Line 3 of the BRT, which will connect Dandora to the Central Business District (CBD) and extend to Ngong. The governor expressed optimism that the injection of capital would significantly improve the city’s public transportation system, long plagued by inefficiency and overcrowding.
The BRT initiative, launched in August 2020, was envisioned as a transformative solution to Nairobi’s chronic traffic gridlock. By creating dedicated bus lanes and modern stations, the project aimed to reduce commute times, improve air quality, and enhance the overall commuting experience for residents. However, progress stalled over the years due to funding constraints, leaving many Nairobians skeptical about its realization.
Governor Sakaja, keen on rebuilding public trust, assured residents that the wait was over. “Next year, we will see a marked difference,” he stated. He further highlighted that the foreign funding would jumpstart construction and ensure timely completion of Line 3.
In addition to the BRT revival, the governor outlined plans to partner with the national government to rehabilitate key city roads that have been in disrepair for years. He revealed that his administration, alongside Roads Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, recently inspected major highways, including Uhuru Highway, Mombasa Road, and Waiyaki Way, to assess necessary repairs.
“We are increasing movement and mobility within the city. Together with the national government, we are addressing roads that have been left dilapidated for many years. I want to promise that next year will bring significant changes,” he said.
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